Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group
Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland
Kilkenny, Ireland
Walking along the bank of the River Lee in Cork, Ireland
Blarney Castle, Ireland
Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Ireland
Blarney Castle
The famous "Ladies View", Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Dingle seaport, County Kerry, Ireland
Salmon Weir Bridge, Galway City, Ireland
Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland
$4750
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group
12 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Belfast, United Kingdom
Visiting: Dublin, Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, Japanese Gardens, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Castle, Cahir, Cahir Castle, Cork, Blarney, Killarney, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Sneem, Moll's Gap, Ladies View, Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Aran Islands, Blue Stack Mountains, Londonderry, Shipquay Street, Londonderry, Guildhall, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Ballygally, Carrickfergus Castle, Belfast, City Hall, Belfast, Queen's University, Belfast, Parliament Building at Stormont Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B909ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and Northern Ireland with the "Country Roads of Ireland" tour. Starting in Dublin, this classic group tour takes you on a scenic adventure, exploring iconic landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty. Discover the vibrant city life of Dublin and Cork, the medieval charm of Kilkenny, and the stunning vistas of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Experience the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the legendary Giant's Causeway, while enjoying authentic Irish dining and warm hospitality. With guided city tours, scenic drives, and unique cultural experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of the Emerald Isle, concluding in the historic city of Belfast.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin, Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Day 3: A Journey from Dublin to Cork
Location: Dublin, Japanese Gardens, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Castle, Cahir, Cahir Castle, Cork
Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel, Cork.
Accommodation Name: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centers, also home to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. Learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across the Mountains to Killarney
Location: Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle and Gardens. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience
Location: Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Sneem, Moll's Gap, Ladies View
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Location: Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head
Accommodation: Skellig Hotel, Dingle.
Accommodation Name: Falls & Spa, Ennistymon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before journeying to reach your hotel.
Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher and Galway Relaxed Start
Location: Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel (Sea View Rooms), Galway.
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Location: Galway, Aran Islands
Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel (Sea View Rooms), Galway.
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Derry Londonderry
Location: Blue Stack Mountains, Londonderry, Shipquay Street, Londonderry, Guildhall, Londonderry
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry.
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start
Location: Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Ballygally
Accommodation: Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim.
Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start
Location: Antrim Coast, Carrickfergus Castle, Belfast, City Hall, Belfast, Queen's University, Belfast, Parliament Building at Stormont, Belfast
Accommodation: Titanic Hotel
Accommodation Name: Titanic, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart Belfast
Location: Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
For your departure transfer, you’ll first stop at Belfast George Best City Airport before continuing to Belfast International Airport. The journey between the two airports takes approximately 45 minutes.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney National Park: a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike with a nature guide.
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Top Rated Highlights
Experience top-rated highlights including Dublin's Custom House, Cahir Castle, Cork's Grand Parade, the Ring of Kerry, and more.
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Make Travel Matter
Participate in experiences that support sustainable practices, such as dining at a farm-to-table restaurant in Killarney and visiting the Giant's Causeway.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a warm and friendly dinner in Dublin and a celebration dinner in Ballygally.
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Insight Choice
Explore Killarney National Park with options for a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a guided hike.
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Insight Experiences
Gain insights into Irish culture and history with visits to Trinity College, the Irish National Stud, Kilkenny Castle, and more.
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Transport
Travel through Ireland in comfort with a coach tour, exploring scenic routes and iconic landmarks. Enjoy guided city tours and scenic drives, including the Ring of Kerry and the Antrim Coast, with convenient transfers to and from airports.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to the Aran Islands are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the tour start and end locations is not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
Insight Experiences
- Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle to learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Ireland in comfort with a coach tour, exploring scenic routes and iconic landmarks. Enjoy guided city tours and scenic drives, including the Ring of Kerry and the Antrim Coast, with convenient transfers to and from airports.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Falls & Spa in Ennistymon, Connemara Coast in Galway, Maldron Hotel Derry, Ballygally Castle in Co. Antrim, and Titanic Hotel in Belfast, offering comfort and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a visit to the Irish National Stud, where you can explore the foaling unit and learn about horse racing, and a visit to the Giant's Causeway, where you can learn about biodiversity efforts. Additionally, you can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience in Killarney with local hosts John and Freda.
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What are the options for exploring Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you have the option to explore the scenery on a horse-drawn jaunting car with local jarveys or join a gentle hike with a nature guide to admire the stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.
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What is the significance of the Blarney Stone?
The Blarney Stone is famous for bestowing the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. It is said that those who kiss the stone are given the power to persuade, flatter, and coax.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?
During the visit to the Cliffs of Moher, you can expect breathtaking views of the Clare Coast from cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. You will also visit the Exhibition Center and gain insights into the cliffs' geology, history, and the species that find sanctuary there.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Killarney?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Killarney involves dining at a farm-to-table restaurant where all food is sourced locally. Hosts John and Freda educate visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
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What historical insights can I gain in Londonderry?
In Londonderry, you will be guided by one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, who will take you on a tour inside the city walls. You will see the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street, gaining insights into the city's history.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions